A snow groomer uses specialized equipment to keep the conditions at a winter sports facility like skiing and snowboarding in good shape. Snow groomers use the equipment to keep trails safe and reliable, and can be seen at ski resorts and sporting events such as the Winter Olympics. This job typically does not require more than a high school diploma, and some experience operating heavy equipment is helpful but not necessary because people can be trained on the job.
With snow grooming equipment such as tracked tractors, the groomer goes out when the trails are not in use, usually at night. The equipment is used to compact the snow and move it around to meet the trail’s needs. As a result, the surface is extremely dependable: it is stable and behaves predictably and consistently when people use it. This is critical for sports events in the interests of fairness, as differences in trail conditions could give some athletes an advantage, and it improves safety for recreation.
Snow groomers can work with both natural and artificial snow, which is used to seed the hills at a resort in areas where natural snow may not be sufficient. They also check for hazards such as downed trees and abandoned equipment as part of their work, clearing the trails to keep them safe. Snow groomers can also create specific conditions for specific types of trails, such as extremely safe, level snow for teaching skiing trails.
People must be able to operate tractors and other similar devices in cold weather in order to do this work. Snow groomers are typically well-bundled while working, and they may use tractors with insulated cabs for added protection. Because the snow groomer may need to get out of the cab to inspect conditions, it’s also a good idea to be comfortable in the snow. Knowledge of winter sports is beneficial, as the snow groomer should know what conditions are ideal so that adjustments can be made as needed.
Snow groomer jobs are only available during the winter months. Winter resorts typically hire a large staff during the winter months and then lay off employees in the spring and summer, unless they are located in an area where year-round skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing is possible. In the off-season, some snow groomers may be able to find work doing trail maintenance and construction, but this is not guaranteed.